Volunteer firefighters, first responders train in victim extrication from car wreck

SHANNON COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Birch Tree volunteer firefighters, Shannon County first responders and students from the upcoming EMT class participated in mutual training in victim extrication from car wrecks.

Michael Baker of Baker’s Auto Salvage on Route 60 in Winona donated two vehicles for training purposes.

Various responders pretended to be injured victims trapped in the wrecks. The rest of the group practiced with the various tools and techniques needed to safely cut apart a car and gain access to the victim without injuring them further.

The used the “Jaws of Life” and a collection of similar hydraulic tools including shears and spreaders. The firefighters cut the window supports and cut the doors off.

A glass saw was used to remove the windshields. Once the firefighters opened the car enough, first responders entered to stabilize the patient and get him/her ready to be removed.

“It was a great exercise to educate and train the team to be confident and prepared for the real deal,” said Birch Tree Fire Chief Michael Murphy.

“I learned some very crucial lessons and was reminded of the importance of communication,” said EMT student Justina Norris. “It was definitely a much needed learning experience for everyone involved.”